What licence does an electrician need in Victoria?

Electricians in Victoria must hold a licence issued by Energy Safe Victoria. There are different classes: an Electrician licence covers hands-on electrical work, while a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) licence is required to contract electrical work to customers. Sam Banks at Impulse Electrical holds REC 25266.

How do I check if an electrician is licensed in Victoria?

You can verify an electrician's licence at Energy Safe Victoria's website (esv.vic.gov.au) using their name or licence number. Always check before hiring — working with an unlicensed electrician is illegal and any work done won't be covered by a Certificate of Electrical Safety.

Can an apprentice electrician do work unsupervised?

No. Apprentice electricians must work under the direct supervision of a licensed electrician at all times. They cannot perform electrical work independently and cannot issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety. All completed electrical work must be signed off by the supervising licensed electrician.

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What Licensing Should an Electrician Have?

Q: What is a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC)?

A Registered Electrical Contractor (REC) is a business or individual registered with Energy Safe Victoria to legally offer and contract electrical services to the public. The REC holder is responsible for the quality and safety of all electrical work their business performs. When hiring an electrician, always confirm they have a valid REC number.

By Sam Banks — A-Grade Electrician (Lic. A53308) · REC 25266

February 10, 2025 · Impulse Electrical Contractors

Quick answer

In Victoria, an electrician should hold an A Grade licence — the highest level, allowing them to carry out, supervise and certify electrical work — and their business must be a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC). Verify both on the Energy Safe Victoria website, and confirm they carry public liability insurance and issue a Certificate of Electrical Safety.

There is no electrical work that can be done without the proper electrical licence. That's why residential and commercial electrical work in Victoria is strictly regulated — and it's why you should always check your electrician's credentials before letting them touch your wiring.

A Grade Electrician Licence (Victoria)

An A Grade electrician licence is the highest level of electrical licence in Victoria. It allows the holder to carry out, supervise and certify any electrical installation work. When you hire an electrician for domestic or commercial work, this is the licence they should hold.

Impulse Electrical's Impulse Electrical holds an A Grade licence. You can verify any Victorian electrician's licence on the Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) website.

Registered Electrical Contractor (REC)

In addition to a personal electrician's licence, any business carrying out electrical work in Victoria must be a Registered Electrical Contractor. This is separate from the individual licence and covers the business's obligations — including insurance and compliance.

Impulse Electrical is REC 25266.

Public Liability Insurance

Any reputable electrician should carry public liability insurance. This protects you if something goes wrong during the work. Impulse Electrical carries $25 million in public liability cover.

How to Check an Electrician's Licence

You can verify any Victorian electrician's licence and REC at the Energy Safe Victoria website: www.esv.vic.gov.au

Just enter the licence number or the contractor's name to confirm their credentials are current and valid.

Red Flags to Watch For

⚠ No licence number provided when asked
⚠ Unlicensed 'handymen' offering electrical work
⚠ Cash-only jobs with no paperwork
⚠ No Certificate of Electrical Safety (COES) provided after work
⚠ No public liability insurance

Hire a Properly Licensed Electrician

A Grade Electrician | REC 25266 | $25M Insured | Serving the Mornington Peninsula

Call 0418 383 232

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an A Grade electrician licence?

What is a Registered Electrical Contractor (REC)?

Any business carrying out electrical work in Victoria must be a Registered Electrical Contractor. The REC registration is separate from the individual electrician's licence and covers the business's obligations, including insurance and compliance. A properly credentialled electrician will hold both a personal licence and operate under a registered contractor number.

How do I check an electrician's licence in Victoria?

Visit the Energy Safe Victoria website at www.esv.vic.gov.au and enter the licence number or the contractor's name to confirm their credentials are current and valid. Any reputable electrician will provide their licence and REC numbers when asked — refusal to do so is a red flag.

What are red flags when hiring an electrician?

Watch for an electrician who won't provide a licence number when asked, unlicensed handymen offering electrical work, cash-only jobs with no paperwork, no Certificate of Electrical Safety provided after the work, and no public liability insurance. Legitimate electricians provide documentation on every job as a matter of course.